The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation today announced that they will be conducting a 130 Liberty Street informational open house forum on Monday, October 24, 2005. LMDC staff representatives, outside consultants, contractors and related regulatory agencies will be on hand to provide in-depth and current information about the deconstruction of the former Deutsche Bank building at 130 Liberty Street. The forum will be held at the Marriott Financial Center, 85 West Street, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

“The former Deutsche Bank building is an eyesore and a scar on our cityscape. It needs to come down as quickly and safely as possible so that in its place, rebirth and renewal can take place,” Stefan Pryor, president of the LMDC said. “This forum is part of our ongoing outreach effort, aimed at keeping the local community informed about every aspect of this massive deconstruction project. We want the community to have the most up to date and accurate information possible and we are committed to seeing that we provide necessary venues to make that happen.”

LMDC Staff members will offer detailed presentations to a general assembly of everyone present, and then will provide further information regarding the specific components of the deconstruction plan at various stations, where staff, consultants and representatives from regulatory agencies will be on hand to answer questions. There will be an opportunity for the public to interact directly with project managers, and to gather firsthand information about the deconstruction, informational literature and contact information. Subjects for discussion at various stations will include: emergency and safety response; construction management; air monitoring and environmental compliance, and community outreach.

This event is part of the LMDC’s multi-faceted outreach campaign to inform residents, workers and other stakeholders about the latest developments on the deconstruction of 130 Liberty Street. In addition to regular meetings with the public, other elements of the campaign include the creation of an advisory committee to initiate public involvement, a community liaison on the LMDC staff and regular presentations to the community board. The LMDC will also provide updated information on 130 Liberty Street on its website, www.RenewNYC.com, create a 24-hour hotline, and send regular e-updates to the community on the project.

After an extensive review process by the Environmental Protection Agency, and coordination with other federal, state and city regulatory agencies, deconstruction of 130 Liberty Street began with scaffolding and abatement, on September 8, 2005. Physical floor by floor deconstruction will begin in early 2006 and take approximately 12 months. The timely and safe removal of the shrouded building is critical for full redevelopment of the World Trade Center site.